HARP, Southend’s homeless charity, has opened registration for its Prittle Brook Spring Walk fundraising event, which is taking place on Sunday 24th April at 1.30pm.
The Spring Walk is an easy and accessible way to raise money for the charity, which supports on average 1,000 people in crisis every year. HARP work with vulnerable people in Southend and are on a mission to ensure that no-one who needs help with homelessness issues is turned away.
The 3.5 mile walk will begin at Priory Park and end with tea and cake at Belfairs Woodland Centre.
Lisa Walton, Community Fundraiser at HARP said: “During the winter months there is a greater focus on homelessness but as the weather brightens the issue tends to get less attention. However, people face homelessness throughout the year and our work is just as important as we approach the spring.”
She continued: “Our Spring Walk is a great opportunity for people to show their ongoing support for HARP and the people we help, and we hope that people will join us as we take a pleasant stroll along the Prittle Brook. I am also excited that we can offer our younger participants a wildlife experience, thanks to the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy, free of charge at Belfair’s Woodland Centre, which will include a tarantula and blue-tongued skink!*
We’ve not been able to walk together for two years due to the pandemic, so let’s take steps together this year to help overcome homelessness for good”.
Kerry Hills and her family (pictured) raised an impressive £491 in 2019 and are keen to take part again. Kerry said “Taking part in the Spring Walk allowed us to spend time together as a family unit all whilst raising money for a good cause – helping HARP to continue making a difference through its work with homeless people in the local area.
Most importantly, it raises my children’s awareness of homelessness and they get to experience real community spirit, with a fun factor thrown in for good measure. We’re really looking forward to taking part again this year!”
HARP’s Prittle Brook Spring Walk is pushchair friendly and suitable even for little legs. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leads. All entrants receive a free t-shirt and the wildlife experience awaits all participants at Belfairs Woodland Centre.
The entrance fee is only £5 for adults, £3 for children, and £15 for families. HARP encourages walkers to get sponsored for taking part to raise whatever they can to support its work with homeless people in Southend.
The most difficult journey begins with a single step.
If you would like to register for this year’s Spring Walk call Lisa Walton on 01702 415 834 or visit: https://www.harpsouthend.org.uk/springwalk2022
